We’ve gathered plenty of self storage packing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your storage rental and keep your belongings safe. Maintain your items in the best condition possible by following these packing and self storage tips and tricks!
The following storage tips will help you learn how to pack a storage unit like a pro.
Gather Materials
- Estimate the number of boxes you’ll need as well as packing material (packing paper, bubble wrap, foam shipping noodles), tape, and markers. Many of our locations sell packing and moving supplies so we can help with this.
- Use strong, new, or almost new, boxes.
Inventory Your Items
- Create an inventory list of your items and keep copies in a safe place away from the unit.
- Identify which items you may need to access while they are in storage.
Prep Your Space
- Measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store. You may need a large storage unit once you realize the number of boxes you’ll be storing.
- To keep your items off of the floor, cover it with pallets.
Arrange Boxes for Convenience and Safety
- Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (don’t overpack)
- Account for extra space to provide ventilation and ease of access.
- Plan for anything that you may need frequently to be placed in the front of your unit.
- Place boxes that contain fragile or delicate items on top of boxes packed with heavier, sturdier things.
- If you’re storing business files, leave a pathway for ease of access.
- List contents on all four sides of boxes and seal tightly with good quality packing tape.
Hazardous Materials and Perishable Items
- It is prohibited to store flammable, hazardous, or combustible materials (paint, paint thinner, gasoline, propane, or paint).
- Drain fuel from lawn mowers, snow blowers, trimmers, or any other equipment that you may be storing.
- You are also prohibited from storing perishable items, such as food or even pet food.
Fragile Items
- Large pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end.
- China, crystal, porcelain, and any other breakable items should be carefully wrapped in packing paper and/or bubble wrap and boxes should be marked “FRAGILE.”
Extra Space
- Furniture with drawers can be utilized to store linens and small items. Even fragile items can be stored in drawers if wrapped properly.
Appliances and Electronics
- Large appliances make excellent packing space for blankets, towels, bedding, table linens, and even heavy clothing.
- To prevent accidental damage, place TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.
Sofas, Chairs, and Loveseats
- Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space.
- Cover everything with furniture covers or pads to prevent dust.
- Don’t place sharp or heavy objects on upholstered or leather furniture.
- Wrap furniture legs in furniture covers or pads to prevent damage.
- If you need to store any furniture that can be broken down, keep small parts in plastic bags and tape them to the item.
Tables
- Break down tables that have removable legs to save space. Cover with furniture covers or pads to prevent damage.
- Never cover or wrap wood items with plastic. It can leave a residue that causes permanent damage.
Beds and Mattresses
- If you store mattresses on their sides, prop them up so that they stand straight. This will prevent them from bending and becoming out of shape and lumpy.
- If you are breaking down a bed frame, be sure to keep all small parts in a plastic bag and tape it to the frame.
Metal Items
- Wipe metal items such as bikes, tables, and tools with machine oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
Storage can be a life saver during a hectic move, and it’s doubtful that there is a move that isn’t hectic. There will be items that, for various reasons, you don’t want to move to your new home, but that you’re just not certain should be discarded.
This is when you need a safe, secure storage unit. Since your packing anyway, anything that you’re not taking along will be ready to store (even those boxes that you never unpacked from the last move.)
Here are a few helpful storage tips:
- If you’re storing anything with drawers, use that extra space for small items.
- If you need to store a bed frame or any other large furniture that needs broken down, keep all small parts in plastic bags and tape them to the item.
- Wrap furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, furniture covers, or pads, to prevent damage.
- To prevent dust, seal boxes tightly with good quality packing tape.
- As with your move, be sure to label all boxes.
- Place boxes that contain fragile or delicate items on top of boxes packed with heavier, sturdier things.
- Anything that you think you may need to use frequently should be placed at the front of your unit.
- To keep items off the unit floor, use furniture pads or covers.
- If you’re storing business files, leave a pathway to make access easier.
- Do not store anything flammable or perishable.
- Do not store hazardous or combustible materials. Drain fuel from lawnmowers, trimmers, and any other equipment.
- Be sure to purchase a secure lock. For your convenience, we carry a wide range of high-quality locks.
We hope these tips are helpful and make your life a bit more pleasant. Remember, call us with any questions. We’re always here for you.
